A Design Lover's Guide to Living Around Huashan Road

Johannes Tan from the Philippines has lived in Shanghai for nearly two decades, all the while watching the city transform itself. He hosts JohannesLee, a YouTube channel on interiors, architecture, and design, while recruiting senior executives for multinational companies.

Johannes and his partner Johnny live on lush Huashan Road at the gateway to Anfu and Wukang roads, where tranquil residential streets are steps from Shanghai's most bustling cafés, restaurants, and stores.

His recommendations include hidden garden restaurants, neighborhood wine bars, and local favorites that make this area one of Shanghai's most attractive places to live.

Please introduce the neighborhood you live in?

I live in the heart of the leafy downtown right at the beginning of Wukang Road. It's one of Shanghai's most vibrant neighborhoods, with an endless choice of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, from long-standing favorites to exciting new openings.

What's the best thing about living in this neighborhood?

I love the tree-lined streets that surround us. My partner, Johnny, and I take pleasure in walking our dog around the neighborhood whenever the weather is not excessively warm.

Although we're just a short walk from the bustling Wukang and Anfu roads, our immediate area still feels surprisingly peaceful and residential. It's the perfect balance – you get all the energy and convenience without feeling like you're constantly surrounded by crowds.

What attraction here should not be missed?

O'Mills Firewood Alchemy (L1, 888 Huashan Rd 华山路888号L1) has recently opened nearby and has quickly become one of our favorite places. Whether you're stopping by for brunch, coffee, or dinner, it's well worth a visit. The coffee is excellent, the salads are fresh and generous, and the wood-fired pizzas are outstanding.

Every person looks for a great café. What's your favorite café?

O'Mills Firewood Alchemy is literally downstairs from us, so it's an easy favorite. The staff is always welcoming, and the space has a beautiful atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors. The coffee is excellent, and they also have a great selection of pastries.

On weekends, I also enjoy Trifle (No. 5, Lane 27, Tai'an Rd 泰安路27弄5号). It's a small neighborhood café with great coffee and pastries, especially if you go on Sunday mornings before it gets busy.

Where should someone eat around here?

There are quite a few places I'd recommend, depending on what you're looking for.

Ginger (91 Xingguo Rd 兴国路91号) is a great choice for Southeast Asian food. It's tucked inside a park, surrounded by trees, so you get a lovely setting along with the food.

For brunch, The Merchants (52 Yongfu Rd 永福路52号) is a favorite. You're dining right beside a beautiful Spanish villa, and the view adds something special to the whole experience.

Chartes Garden (268 Fuxing Rd W. 复兴西路268号) is a good option if you're looking for something a little more upscale, although it's actually very reasonably priced. Another brunch spot I enjoy is Something (2/F, 98 Wukang Rd 武康路98号2楼), which has a wonderful ambience and is perfect for a relaxed weekend meal.

For Chinese food, I'd recommend Shenyuexuan (Bldg 2, 849 Huashan Rd 华山路849号丁香花园2号楼). You walk into Dingxiang Garden, a surprisingly large and beautiful garden, where you can enjoy Cantonese dim sum in a peaceful setting.

If you're in the area, Sichuan Citizen (2/F, 378 Wukang Rd 武康路378号2楼) is also a must-try. Their signature Basil Drop is always popular, although my current favorite is the Chili Basil Drop.

And if you're craving something with a bit more spice, In & Out Yunnan cuisine (Unit 102, Bldg 22, 72 Xingguo Rd 兴国路72号22幢102室) on Xingguo Road is another great option.

From high fashion to emerging designers, from flowers to fresh produce, where do you shop in your neighborhood?

Definitely Avocado Lady (274 Wulumuqi Rd M. 乌鲁木齐中路274号). It's a small shop, but somehow it has almost everything we need for everyday life. For cheese, cured meats, wine, desserts, or ingredients for an aperitif, I like Alimentari (158 Anfu Rd 安福路158号). It's perfect whether you're picking something up for yourself or looking for something to bring to a dinner party.

Is there a neighborhood place you recommend for a night out or simply a drink after work?

Just Grapes (162 Anfu Rd 安福路162号) is the perfect place for a casual drink. It's on Anfu Road and has great happy-hour deals on a daily basis.

Around Yongfu Road, Bar Bud (2/F, 52 Yongfu Rd 永福路52号2层) is another good option if you're looking for cocktails. It's a great place to start the evening. And across from it, if you want something cozy and classy, you can try Nora's Wine Shop and Bar (47-8 Yongfu Rd 永福路47-8号).

Have you made any new discoveries in your neighborhood lately?

We recently discovered Nono's (2/F, 47 Yongfu Rd 永福路47号2楼) on Yongfu Road and had a wonderful experience there. It offers an exquisite dining experience and would definitely recommend it if you're looking to try something a little more special.